Between April and August this year, 10 properties were bought, with the purchase of a further 18 approved. While 20 new homes are currently being built.

Nearly 200 properties could become available in future years, as the council look at new locations. A total of nine properties are currently going through the planning application process, with another 187 properties possible across a number of sites.

Derby Homes is looking to buy more existing properties

A spokesman for the council said: "The relaxation of Housing Revenue Account borrowing rules does give the council more flexibility in accessing funding for new social housing. These will be a through a combination of both purchasing properties off the market and Derby Homes building new homes, subject to suitable land becoming available.

"Currently the council and Derby Homes are actively acquiring properties for social housing, for the period April 2019 to August 2019, 10 properties were bought, and the purchase of a further 18 approved. Additionally, Derby Homes is currently on site building 20 social homes (one of which started on site in the June 2019 quarter).

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"Across all of the city’s registered social landlords there is a target of 95 affordable homes for 2019/20.

"For future years, Derby Homes and the council are looking at further sites for social housing. There are currently nine properties going through the planning application process and 187 possible properties at feasibility stage across a number of possible sites."